Arri has recently released a new Software Update Packet (SUP) for ALEXA XT cameras and ALEXA classic cameras with the XR Module Upgrade. SUP 9.0 brings with it a number of new features such as new recording capabilities and codec options. It also provides the basis for the use of new recording media and accessories. Another important thing to take note of is that this SUP includes software update 1.37 for the ALEXA electronic viewfinder, which fixes an issue that was found in the previous version of the EVF software. The full list of new features included in SUP 9.0 follows.

• ProRes 4444 16:9 high-speed recording up to 120 fps
ProRes 4444 recording up to 120fps is now possible when using an XR Capture Drive or CFast 2.0 card.

• Pre-recording for ProRes (loop recording)
This feature allows you to roll the camera before pressing the REC button. With pre-recording enabled, the camera will continuously pre-record frames into a ring buffer. When you press the REC button again, the actual take is started, but the camera keeps the content of the ring buffer and appends frames into a single clip. This is also referred to as cache recording.

DNxHD 444 clips can be recorded up to 30fps on 32GB SxS Pro cards and up to 60fps on 64GB SxS cards, CFast 2.0 cards or XR Capture Drives.

• Phase user button

Adds a new User Button function that increases the sensor frame rate by 0.2fps, which can remove the occasional black bar you may encounter when shooting a CRT monitor.

• Improved color management

Prior to SUP 9.0, certain grayscale areas could look slightly magenta, but Arri has adjusted the sensor linearization to produce a more neutral grayscale rendering within those areas. Overall color reproduction remains the same, although Arri cautions that you should double check all LUTs and color settings after upgrading. This update applies to all bodies except the ALEXA M and ALEXA M XT.

Open Gate ARRIRAW allows you to record a larger sensor aperture than the 16:9 or 4:3 modes. The active sensor area in Open Gate is 28.25 x 18.17mm (image circle of 33.5mm), and it produces a 3414 x 2198 ARRIRAW file with an aspect ratio of 1.55:1. The image frame in Open Gate extends beyond the surround view area of the EVF, and can be useful for VFX applications like image reframing, stabilization or rotation. Open Gate is available on the ALEXA XT, ALEXA XT Plus, and ALEXA XT Studio. Depending on the manufacture date, your ALEXA XT may need to go back to an Arri service center for some hardware adjustments before you can use Open Gate mode.

• LDS source switch

• Support for CFast 2.0 media

• Support for upcoming WCU-4 capabilities

• User pixel masking

• Support for 1.4x and 2x Alura LDS Extenders

To download SUP 9.0, ALEXA owners must log in after completing a one-time registration on the ARRI website. The file can then be downloaded to an SD card for uploading into the camera. In addition to the release notes for SUP v9.0, ARRI has also included an updated user manual.

Please note: There are two separate SUP 9.0 files for the ALEXA XT/XR Module Upgrade and for the ALEXA Classic – make sure that you download and install the correct one. Arri warns not to attempt installation of this SUP on ALEXA Classic cameras with the SxS Module, ALEXA HD, ALEXA HD Plus, ALEXA Fiber Remote or ALEXA Fiber Remote Plus; doing so can cause the camera to malfunction and become inaccessible.